Importance of Irrigation:

The importance of irrigation is much to produce crop. The stored food in the soil cannot be taken by the plants directly. Plants take nutrients as solution from soil by osmosis. So, when scarcity of water occurs in the soil due to little rain or drought, plants cannot uptake nutrients and hence malnutrition occurs and retard growth.  In this case irrigation is must to confirm crop growth. The importance of irrigation is described below.

1.     Seasonal Rainfall:

In Bangladesh rainfall is unequal all the year round. Bangladesh enjoys subtropical climate due to Himalayan and Bay of Bengal. Rainfall is heavy in Kharif season but less in winter or Rabi. So cultivation in winter needs irrigation.  

2.     Uneven Rainfall:

Although it rains heavily in rainy season but rainfall is not same. Summer months May-September experience 80% of total rainfall. 57% occurs in June-August. Winter months are almost rainless.

3.     Cultivation of Fallow Land:

Bringing more land under cultivation in Rabi season needs irrigation for crop production.

4.     Cultivation of Modern Variety:

HYV and Hybrids need more intercultural operation and water than the local varieties.  Besides, they are very sensitive to water crisis. So, to ensure high yield from HYV and Hybrids it is to ensure proper irrigation.

5.     Increase of Cropping Intensity:

We are to produce more than one crop to feed the over population. It is only possible to produce more than one crop in a same land if irrigation is provided timely.

6.     Crop Quality Improvement:

Water is essential for growth and development of crops. Crop quality is dependent on irrigation.

7.     Change in Cropping Pattern:

Irrigation helps in changing the cropping pattern.

8.     Proper Utilization of Fertilizer and Manure:

To bring the fertilizers and manures applied in the field with a soluble form and the highest use irrigation is must.

9.     Weed and Pest Control:

To manage the soil borne insects and weeds irrigation plays an important role.

10.  Difference in Water Holding Capacity in Soil:

There are different types of soil in our country having difference in water holding capacity. In such cases irrigation need to be provided depending on soil moisture.